Child
abuse suspect on the run
A FORMER Burnham-On-Sea man who is facing trial on 26 child sex
charges has gone on the run, police have admitted this week. Police
said Robert Hands, pictured, was last seen in July and also said
the 53-year-old "may be a danger to the public". An
appeal has been issued to find him. More...

Santa's
sleigh rides for charity
A NEW tourist
hovercraft which has been designed to look like Santa's Sleigh
started offering pleasure trips along Burnham-On-Sea beach on
Wednesday (December 1st). The service, run by Hovabout, is offering
families rides along the beach up to Christmas for charity.
More...

Two
injured in M5 accidentTWO
people
were rushed to hospital with suspected neck injuries following
an accident which partially closed the M5 motorway near Burnham-On-Sea
on Wednesday (December 1st). Two
lanes of the southbound carriageway were closed near junction
23, as pictured here, after the two-car collision. More...

Harry
Potter 7 arrives at The RitzBURNHAM-On-Sea
film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews one of the latest films
currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street.
This week, she reviews the much-anticipated Harry Potter 7. Read
more of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com
each week. More...

Santa's
sleigh is a hovercraft!
A NEW tourist hovercraft that's designed to look like Santa's
Sleigh will be offering pleasure trips along Burnham-On-Sea beach
from today (Wednesday, December 1st). Hovercraft operator Hovabout
is offering children the chance to ride on the sleigh over the
next four weeks. More...

Butlins
considering Pontin's bid?BUTLINS
is reportedly among the potential bidders interested in buying
collapsed holiday park firm Pontin's, which runs a park at Brean.
A national newspaper has this week named Butlins as one of the
possible bidders for Pontin's, which went into administration
almost three weeks ago.
More...

Xmas
lights contest begins
BURNHAM-On-Sea and Highbridge residents who decorate their homes
with colourful lights are being urged to enter the towns' annual
Christmas lights competition. The Town Council is inviting residents
and businesses to enter the contest by the closing date of December
13th. More...

Hinkley
application submitted
EDF Energy has this week submitted a planning application for
site preparation works which may in turn lead to the construction
and operation of a new power station at Hinkley Point, near Burnham-On-Sea.
The firm announced the plan on Tuesday (November 30th). More...

Success
for tennis youngsters
YOUNG tennis players at Burnham-On-Sea's Avenue Tennis Club have
been celebrating success this week. Megan Rundle travelled to
Taunton where she confidently won all her round robin matches
against the other girls taking part in the Tony Pryce Series tournament.
More...

Town
centre gets power wash
PAVEMENTS in Burnham-On-Sea town centre have had their regular
bi-annual wash and brush up this week. Sedgemoor District Councils
Clean Surroundings contractors, Powerclean, have been washing
Burnham's main town centre High Street ahead of the Xmas shopping
season. More...

Fire
crew offer blanket checks
FIREFIGHTERS in Burnham-On-Sea are to hold free electric blanket
testing sessions for residents in an effort to reduce accidental
fires. Residents can take their electric blankets to Burnham-On-Sea
Fire Station on Wednesday 15th December to have them safety checked.
More...

Blanket
of snow for BurnhamIn
photos: BURNHAM -On-Sea was covered
in a blanket of snow this morning (Tuesday, November 30th) as
the cold wintery weather continued. A quarter of an inch of snow
fell during the early hours of the day, covering streets and pavements
and creating some icy scenes. More...

Swan
rescued from icy lake
A SWAN was rescued from a frozen lake at Highbridge's Apex Wildlife
Park on Monday evening (November 29th) after it became trapped
in the ice. Wildlife carers from East Huntspill's Secret World
called on the help of Burnham rescue charity BARB to help reach
the stricken bird. More...

Tourist
centre group unveiledExclusive: Over a dozen volunteers have this week come
forward to offer their help in running Burnham-On-Sea's tourist
information centre from next spring. A
public meeting was held in the town on Monday evening (November
29th) when the newly-created BIARS formed its volunteer management
team.
More...

Family's
Xmas charity display
AN East Huntspill family hope their display of thousands of sparkling
Christmas lights will raise money for a good cause. The Bird family
have lit up their home at 28 Cornmoor Crescent in East Huntspill
with the colourful display to raise cash for St Margaret's Hospice.
More...

Long
service medal for Julie
A POLICE sergeant at Burnham-On-Sea police station has this week
been recognised for her 22 years of service. Sergeant Julie Tolley
has been presented with a Police Long Service Medal by by colleagues.
Sgt Tolley first joined Avon and Somerset police in October 1988.
More...

A38
roadworks are postponed
A WEEK of roadworks along the busy A38 near Burnham-On-Sea have
been postponed due to the wintry weather. The A38 Bristol Road
between Brent Knoll and Burnham was due to be closed each night
from November 26th until December 3rd, but the work has been postponed
until the New Year. More...

Free
laptops for town pupils
SIXTH form pupils at Highbridge's King Alfred School have been
given free laptop computers to help them with their studies. The
sixth formers have been glued to their netbooks this term after
received them as a gift from the school to encourage independent
learning and out of school study. More...

Certificates
for childminders
MEMBERS of a childminders group based in Burnham-On-Sea have been
awarded certificates after successfully completing a course in
children's communication. The six members of North Sedgemoor Childminders
have been taking part in a course delivered
by Childrens Centre Teacher Emma Packer.
More...

MP's
concerns over betting shopsExclusive: Burnham-On-Sea's MP has spoken out in the House
of Commons about her concerns over the 'proliferation of betting
shops' in the town and called for local authorities to have more
power to decide where such businesses are located. Tessa Munt's
comments came during a parliamentary debate in the Commons regarding
the future of bookmakers and planning. More...

108
hardy runners finish race
MORE than 100 runners from across the South West braved icy conditions
to take part in the annual race from Burnham-On-Sea to the top
of Brent Knoll and back on Sunday (November 28th). The 5.5 mile
Brent Knoll Run has been held for over 20 years. More...
| Results

New
bistro has five star appeal
STAFF at a Burnham-On-Sea restaurant are celebrating after getting
five star recognition. Recently-opened TA8s in Pier Street has
won praise in the latest survey by the district council's Food
Safety Team as part of the Somerset Food Scores food hygiene scheme.
More...

Police
appeal after seafront crashExclusive:
Police
have appealed for witnesses following this seafront crash in Burnham-On-Sea
on Saturday night (November 27th). Debris
was sent flying, as pictured here, after the driver of a Honda
Civic lost control of the vehicle on the North Esplanade near
a pedestrian crossing.More...

Icy
scenes on Burnham beach
A LONG line of ice stretched along the tide line on Burnham's
beach on Sunday (November 28th) as sub-zero temperatures left
the area shivering. The wintry cold snap continued with temperatures
falling to -7°c overnight with a wind chill of a teeth-chattering
-10°c. More...

Huge
search for wanted manExclusive:
POLICE launched a huge search operation
in Highbridge this morning (Saturday) after a wanted man fled
from officers along railway tracks and across fields. Police were
called to the town at around 11.30am after the 18 year-old man
was spotted boarding a train.More...

Burnham
lights up for XmasBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Carnival Queen and her Princesses were joined by Santa, the town's
Mayor and Mayoress and a local radio presenter in switching on
the town's Christmas lights today (Saturday, November 27th). The
annual ceremony was held outside the Victoria Hotel in Victoria
Street.More...

Sudden
death in BurnhamPOLICE
were called to the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (November
27th) after a sudden death. Officers were called to College Street,
as pictured, after a man collapsed and died at Burnham Methodist
Church Hall, where a coffee morning was taking place.More...

Wintry
scenes in Brrr-nham!MOTORISTS
and pedestrians in Burnham-On-Sea have been warned to take extra
care on icy roads and pavements in the area today (Saturday, November
27th). Temperatures in Burnham plunged to -4°c overnight and
there was a further light sprinkling of snow.More...

Fire
crew tackles house blazeA
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crew tackled a small blaze at a home in East
Huntspill this morning (Saturday, November 27th). A fire engine
was sent to a property in Withy Road at 7.50am, as pictured here,
after a wooden lintel above an Aga stove set alight.More...

Distraction
burglars target storePolice
have appealed for information after a distraction burglary took
place at this games store in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday
(November 25th). Officers were called to MI Games in Cross Street
at 3.30pm after a group of people entered the store and made off
with an Xbox.More...

Blood
bikes get free home
LOCAL charity Freewheelers Emergency Voluntary Service has a new
home in Highbridge this week for its blood bikes. Homes in Sedgemoor
has supplied the group with a free storage garage that is currently
unoccupied in order to store its bikes when they are unused.
More...

Weather
warning for motoristsMotorists
and pedestrians in Burnham-On-Sea have been warned to take extra
care after snow and ice on Friday night (November 26th) caused
hazardous conditions. Police urged motorists to travel carefully
in the Burnham area, after sleet and snow began falling a around
3.30pm.More...

Parkers
'putting pupils at risk'Exclusive:
PARENTS who illegally park their cars on double yellow lines
outside a Highbridge school have this week been warned that they
are potentially putting children's safety at risk. Police have
written to the parents of pupils at Churchfield School after concerns
were raised by concerned residents and parents about parking problems.More...

Slimmers'
weighty donation!MEMBERS
of a slimming club in Burnham-On-Sea have this week presented
a weighty donation to a local cancer charity. Members of the Slimming
World group who meet weekly at Burnham-On-Sea Infants School have
collected 2,000 five pence pieces in lose change over the past
year.More...

Two
shops shut in town centreExclusive:
TWO shops in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea
have pulled down their shutters for the final time this month.
Choice Clothing and Eve in the High Street have both closed after
struggling during the difficult climate, but the Chamber of Trade
says overall trade is fine.More...

Pupils
become newsreadersA
GROUP of King Alfred School students became newsreaders for a
day this week when they recorded news items from Burnham-On-Sea.com
for an audio news service aimed at local blind and partially-sighted
people. Four King Alfred students took part in the day-long recording
exercise.More...

Lions
childrens concert today
TICKETS have gone on sale for a fundraising Christmas concert
in Burnham-On-Sea to be performed by local schoolchildren. Burnham-On-Sea
Lions are holding the second annual 'Singing For Children' concert
on Friday 26th November at The Princess.
More...

MP
calls for village green re-thinkExclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea's
MP has this week backed calls for a change in the law that lets
groups of people apply to turn land into village greens, thereby
protecting them from development. She
says hundreds of people across the UK - including a group of residents
on Burnham's Esplanade - have been making use of the Commons Act
2006.More...

Burnham
set for snowfall?BURNHAM-On-Sea
could get its first sprinkling of snow over the next week if weather
forecasts prove accurate. The Met Office says temperatures will
plunge during the next few days, with wintry weather expected
to sweep into our area. Temperatures will be below average, falling
to -4°c at night, with sharp overnight frosts. More...

Town
markets funding in jeopardy?Exclusive:
Town councillors have this week considered cutting their grant
funding to Burnham-On-Sea's monthly farmers markets. At a meeting
last night (Wednesday, November 25th), they discussed whether
to reduce the annual £1,200 grant that enables the events
in Burnham High Street to be held each month. More...

Chemist
decision overturnedExclusive:
THE
Planning Inspectorate has overturned a decision by the district
council to stop a new chemist shop being built next to Burnham-On-Sea
Medical Centre. Town and district councillors lodged their objections
to the proposals earlier this year amid several concerrns.More...

Fight
against rogue tradersNEW
cold-calling schemes are being set-up by police in rural areas
near Burnham-On-Sea this month to help protect residents from
rogue door-to-door traders. Brand new zones are being launched
in Mark, Blackford and Wedmore after successes in other villages.
More...

Leisure
Park's £15k donationsBREAN
Leisure Park has handed out almost £15,000 to local charities
and good causes over the past year. Fundraising events this year
have included a Golf Pro Am Tournament, which raised £1,800
for the Injured Jockeys fund and £500 for the Alzheimer
Society. More...

Missing
lady found by policeA
POLICE search for a Burnham-On-Sea resident who went missing earlier
this week has been called off after she was found safe and well.
Police told Burnham-On-Sea.com today (Wednesday) that Christine
Wright had been found safely in Nether Stowey. More...

Bikers
boost local charitiesGENEROUS
members of Somerset Motorcycle Group have given several local
charities a boost this week after a year of fundraising bike rides.
Burnham rescue hovercraft charity BARB was among five good causes
which received donations from the group. More...

TIC
charity appeals for helpersExclusive:
THE organisers of a new charity set up to take over Burnham-On-Sea's
closure-threatened Tourist Information Centre have this week appealed
for more volunteers to come forward to help run the service. Cllr
Neville Jones and Tom Ashton have signed an official letter of
agreement with the District Council.
More...

Council
writes off £100k debtSEDGEMOOR
District Council has written off almost £120,000 of bad
debt this month. At the latest meeting of the district council's
Executive, councillors have voted in favour of writing off £116,905.49
of debts, which included £94,354.74 from a firm in Highbridge.
More...

Three
hurt in M5 accidentTWO
adults and a baby were injured when the car they were in overturned
on the M5 near Burnham-On-Sea earlier today (Tuesday, November
23rd). Police said the accident happened just after 8am between
junction 22 for Burnham-On-Sea and jucntion 21 for Weston. More...

Tin
tabernacle duo to visitA
HUSBAND and wife musical duo who are embarking on a unique nationwide
tour of corrugated iron churches, dubbed 'tin tabernacles', are
to visit Burnham-On-Sea in January. Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou
will be playing at Edithmead Church even thought it only seats
15 people!More...

CAB
bids for £50k lotto cashSEDGEMOOR
Citizens Advice Bureau - which provides help to people in Burnham-On-Sea
and Highbridge - is appealing for people to vote for it during
ITV's Peoples Millions competition today (Tuesday, November 23rd)
to help it secure £50,000 of lotto funding. More...

Wind
farm fighting fund boostDOZENS
of protesters who are fighting proposals for a wind farm to be
built near Burnham-On-Sea raised much-needed cash to fight the
plans during a sponsored walk at the weekend. More than 30 residents
took part in Sunday's walk, which raised £2,000 towards
the costs of fighting the plans. More...

Man
assaulted and robbedExclusive:
A MAN was
assaulted and robbed of his valuables during an early morning
attack at a holiday park in Burnham-On-Sea at the weekend. Police
were called to Burnham Holiday Village following the incident
at 1.20am on Sunday (November 21st) in which a 40 year-old man
was allegedly attacked.
More...

Pedal
power raises £200STAFF
at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll raised nearly £200
for Children in Need by holding a sponsored exercise bike cycling
event. Thirteen members of staff rode 105 miles during the course
of a day during their static cycle ride at the garden centre for
the BBC charity night. More...

Council
boss to meet PMSEDGEMOOR
District Council Leader Councillor Duncan McGinty will be meeting
Prime Minister David Cameron in London this Wednesday (24th November)
to call for money to be given to the region. Councillor McGinty
will be discussing central government funding. More...

Historic
Manor House on saleExclusive:
AN historic
building in the centre of Burnham-On-Sea has gone on sale this
week. The
Manor House in the town's Manor Gardens is being offered by agents
Greenslade Taylor and Hunt at offers in excess of £285,000.
Built in 1841, the house was the home of well known Burnham resident
George Reed. More...

Burnham
artwork on showNINE
well-known artists in Burnham-On-Sea will be opening up their
studios to the general public during the final days of November
for a special Christmas exhibition. The artists will all be displaying
their work at four venues across Burnham-On-Sea next weekend.
More...

Spring
is in the air in town!CHRISTMAS
may be just around the corner, but Spring has been on the minds
of two groups of Highbridge residents this week as they planted
hundreds of bulbs were planted in public spaces. Green-fingered
members of The Friends Of Apex Park were armed with trowels. More...

Arts
festival given cash boostVITAL
funds were raised for Highbridge's Festival Of The Arts when a
special fundraising concert was held on Friday (November 19th).
Dozens of supporters attended the 'Back In Town' event, an evening
of theatre, music and dance at Rossholme in East Brent for the
good cause. More...

Rally
to celebrate 15th yearORGANISERS
of the annual Brean Stages Rally are gearing up for their 15th
annual event, which is set to roar into action during January
2011. The K&R Mitsubishi Stages Rally will be held during
the weekend of Saturday January 22nd and Sunday 23rd and wi9ll
open to the public. More...

Xmas
post service launchesSCOUTS
in the Burnham-On-Sea area are gearing up to provide their popular
low-cost Christmas post delivery service. The 1st Huntspill and
Highbridge Scout Group will be providing their festive delivery
service throughout December for the cost of just 15p per card.
More...

£1,400
raised for Kenyan kidsGENEROUS
fundraisers in Burnham-On-Sea raised £1,400 for needy schoolchildren
in Kenya during a Christmas fair held on Saturday (November 20th).
Dozens of supporters flocked to the town's Methodist Church Hall
in College Street to help raise money for the school in Kenya.
More...

In
photos: Secret World BallOVER
250 people attended an Arabian-themed fundraising event in aid
of East Huntspill based wildlife rescue charity Secret World on
Saturday night (November 20th). The charity's successful annual
fundraising ball was held at Cadbury House Hotel near Congresbury.
More...

Seal
rescued on town beachExclusive:
This stranded seal was rescued by wildlife carers after being
washed up on Burnham-On-Sea beach on Friday evening (November
19th). The common seal, pictured here, was spotted in a disorientated
state on the sands near Burnham Low Lighthouse by a beach walker.
More...

Free
maps given to schoolGEOGRAPHY
students at King Alfred School in Highbridge have been given free
maps as part of the Ordnance Survey's annual free maps scheme
for eleven-year-olds. Each of the Year 7 students has been given
a map of the Weston and Burnham-on-Sea areas. More...

Two
arrests after shop theftExclusive:
Police have arrested two men in Burnham-On-Sea following a
theft at a shop in the town. Two
men were held by officers in Oxford Street at 6.45pm on Thursday
(November 18th), as pictured here, following the theft of alcohol
from a nearby off-licence.
More...

100
at 'jazz and chips' eventJAZZ
and chips were on the menu when over 100 people attended a unique
fundraising event in Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (November
19th). The Bob Reynolds New Society Jazz Band played at The Princess
while the audience munched into fish and chips. More...

Kitchen
blaze in Highbridge
BURNHAM-On-Sea fire crews were called to a kitchen blaze at a
home in Highbridge on Friday evening (November 19th). Two Burnham
fire engines were sent to a property on the corner of West Avenue
and South Avenue at 5.35pm, as pictured here.
More...

Town's
Children In Need funFundraisers
across the Burnham-On-Sea area collected thousands of pounds for
BBC Children In Need throughout Friday (November 19th). Pupils
at King Alfred School held a sponsored silence while staff at
Boots The Chemists and Greggs The Bakery on Burnham High Street
collected hundreds of pounds by wearing fancy dress outfits.
More...

MP
urges library feedbackExclusive: MP Tessa Munt has urged residents in Highbridge
to make their views known about the threatened closure of the
town's library as Somerset County Council begins a period of consultation
about its future. Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report last
month that the library in Market Street is being considered for
closure.
More...

Night
time closure for A38
MOTORISTS who use a stretch of the A38 near Burnham-On-Sea have
been warned to expect delays. The A38 Bristol Road between Brent
Knoll and Burnham will be closed each night from Friday November
26th until Friday December 3rd to allow the essential roadworks
to proceed. More...

Church
renovation fundraiser
A CHRISTMAS-themed concert to raise money for a Burnham-On-Sea
church's restoration fund will be held in December. St Andrew's
Church Choir and Sunday School will perform 'A Night Of Miracles'
at St Andrew's Church on Sunday December 12th.
More...

Final
recycling roll-out begins
THE final
roll-out of a new waste recycling service is due to be completed
across the Burnham-On-Sea area over the next few weeks. The final
phase of homes being added to the Sort It Plus kerbside collections
will commence next week and then the whole of Sedgemoor will be
covered. More...

Tickets
go on sale for concert
TICKETS have gone on sale for a fundraising Christmas concert
in Burnham-On-Sea to be performed by local schoolchildren. Organisers
from Burnham-On-Sea Lions are holding the second annual 'Singing
For Children' concert on Friday 26th November at The Princess
Theatre. More...

Queen
to light up Burnham!
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Carnival Queen and her Princesses will be joined
by the town's Mayor and a well-known local radio presenter in
switching on the town's Christmas lights on Saturday November
27th in Victoria Street after an afternoon of free festive entertainment.
More...

Car
park arrests after deathExclusive:
TWO men were arrested in this pub car park in East Brent,
near Burnham-On-Sea, following the death of an elderly pedestrian
in a hit-and-run car crash in Weston on Monday (November 15th).
Officers swooped on the two 47 year-old men outside the Brent
House Carvery in East Brent.
More...

400
Brue Farm homes backedA
PERIOD of public consultation is to be held for residents in Highbridge
to air their views on proposals to build 400 new homes in the
town. Sedgemoor District Council's Executive voted on Wednesday
(November 17th) in favour of a formal consultation to invite feedback.
More...

New
pylons could go sub-seaNATIONAL
Grid has this week confirmed that it is reconsidering burying
its controversial new power lines under the Bristol Channel instead
of running them across the Somerset countryside near Burnham-On-Sea
from Hinkley Point power station to Avonmouth on the outskirts
of Bristol. More...

What's
on at The Ritz cinemaBURNHAM-On-Sea
film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews one of the latest films
currently showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street.
This week, she reviews the hilarious film Due Date. Read more
of Molly's reviews of films showing in Burnham here on Burnham-On-Sea.com
each week. More...

Anti-social
behaviour fallsANTI-social
behaviour in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge has dropped by over
a third during the past two years, police have announced this
week. From 2008-2009 there was a recorded drop in anti-social
behaviour calls of 8.29 per cent and a further drop of 31.88 per
cent from 20092010.More...

Acclaimed
singer at the RitzACCLAIMED
singer-songwriter Phil King will be performing a concert at Burnham-On-Sea's
Ritz Acoustic Club this Thursday (November 18th). A huge favourite
at the town's annual FolkFest, Phil has also played his 'folky,
bluesy' songs at several festivals including Glastonbury. More...

Over
40 bidders line up for Pontin'sMORE
than 40 potential bidders have already shown an interest in taking
over crisis-hit Pontin's, including its holiday park in Brean.
Reports in the financial media state that an Indian millionaire
is among the dozens of 'serious players' who are considering bids
for Pontin's, which Burnham-On-Sea.com reported last week has
fallen into administration. More...

Rotary's
Christmas gift appealMEMBERS
of Burnham-On-Sea Rotary Club have launched their annual Christmas
toy appeal in Highbridge this week. The club is encouraging shoppers
at the Asda supermarket in the town to donate Christmas gifts
to under-privileged children of any age until December 13th. More...

Winning
end to carnival seasonBurnham-On-Sea's
carnival float made one final appearance on Monday evening (November
15th) when it bowed out with a win on the final night of the carnival
season in Weston-super-Mare. Hillview Juvenile Carnival Club's
cart, called The Show, wended its way along Weston's streets and
seafront, as pictured, in front of big crowds.
More...

'No
homes on wedge til 2026'Exclusive:
COUNCILLORS in Burnham-On-Sea have
tried to reassure residents that a 'green wedge' of land on the
outskirts of the town is not set to be turned into new homes any
time soon. It comes despite several 'for sale' boards appearing
in the fields this week.
More...

Stolen
car in Burnham crashExclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea police have appealed
for witnesses after the driver of this stolen car was involved
in a town centre crash at the weekend. Police recovered the damaged
stolen car in Steart Drive, which was initially seen at a collision
in Victoria Street several minutes earlier. More...

Your
views on 'wedge' saleExclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea.com readers have given
a big 'thumbs down' to the news that more than 60 acres of fields
- described by the district council as a 'green wedge' - next
to Burnham-On-Sea's Queens Drive has gone on sale this week. We
give a feedback of the views. More...

Mia
gets VIP Santa treatmentA
VERY special schoolgirl from Mark received VIP treatment when
she opened Santas grotto at Brent Knoll's Sanders Garden
World on Saturday (November 13th). Mia Marshall, 7, was chosen
to officially open the centre's annual festive grotto by cutting
a ribbon with Santa. More...

Town's
'green wedge' goes on saleExclusive: MORE than 60 acres of fields next to Burnham-On-Sea's
Queens Drive - described by the district council as a 'green wedge'
- have gone on sale this week. 'For
sale' boards have sprung up along the main road connecting Burnham-On-Sea's
Love Lane with the Edithmead M5 roundabout, as pictured here.
More...

Great
Wall walk raises £3kA TEENAGE fundraiser from Burnham-On-Sea has raised
more than £3,000 for a local charity by walking 80km of
The Great Wall of China. Kieran Bird, 18, has just returned home
after completing his amazing trek along the world-renowned landmark
in aid of St Margaret's Hospice. More...

Sand
yachts run out of puff!
CALM weather led to the UK's National Sand Yachting Championships
being cancelled on Brean Beach this weekend. The two-day event
began on Saturday morning and although the light winds initially
allowed two races to be completed during the early part of the
day, as pictured. More...

In
photos: Highbridge Remembrance DayRESIDENTS
in Highbridge marked Remembrance Day with a short parade, a service
at St John's Church and a wreath-laying ceremony at the town's
war memorial. Highbridge Mayor Michael Clarke, Mayores Maria Clarke
and County Councillor John Woodman were among the dignataries.
More...

In
photos: Burnham Remembrance DayBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Mayor and Mayoress were among 200
dignitaries, representatives of local groups and residents who
gathered at Burnham-On-Sea's war memorial on Sunday morning (November
14th) to mark Remembrance Day. The
Burnham branch of The Royal British Legion organised the ceremony.
More...

Residents
air homes concernsExclusive:
OVER 40
residents attended a 'crisis meeting' in Highbridge on Friday
(November 12th) to hear more about Sedgemoor District Council's
controversial plans to bring hundreds of new homes to the town
over the next two decades. The meeting at Morland Community Hall
was organised by Highbridge Residents Association.
More...

Towns
remember war deadRemembrance
services will be held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge today (Sunday,
November 14th) as residents pay tribute to the armed forces. The
Burnham branch of The Royal British Legion is holding a Remembrance
Day ceremony at the town's War Memorial in Love Lane at 11am.
More...

Race
night boosts good causesTHOUSANDS
of pounds was raised towards the cost of Burnham-On-Sea's Christmas
Lights and the new charity that is taking over the town's Tourist
Information Centre during a fundraising night on Friday (November
12th). Dozens
of supporters flocked to the race night at the Oak Tree Arena.
More...

Burnham
In Bloom AwardsPhoto
Special: DOZENS of Burnham-On-Sea residents
were presented with awards when the town's annual Britain In Bloom
ceremony was held on Friday evening (November 12th). Almost 100
residents and business owners crowded into the town council chambers.
More...

Hillview
wins first at WellsBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Hillview Carnival Club had a successful night at Wells Carnival
on Friday (November 12th) when it scooped first place. The club's
cart, The Show, won the juvenile category at Wells, which was
its first place of the carnival season so far. More...

Pontin's
jobs are 'safe for now'STAFF
at Pontin's holiday park in Brean have been reassured their jobs
are safe for now, despite the firm going into administration on
Friday evening (November 12th). The
chain of holiday camps announced it had called in administrators
after suffering badly during the economic downturn.
More...

Royal
award for swim coachA
BURNHAM-On-Sea swimming coach has this week received a prestigious
award on behalf of Somerset Amateur Swimming Association. Sarah
Pusill, the group's Welfare Officer, was presented with The Queens
Award for Voluntary Service for the committee. More...

High
winds cause disruptionGALE
force winds caused disruption in the Burnham-On-Sea area during
the early hours of this morning (Friday, November 12th). Berrow
Road was partially blocked at midnight, as pictured here, after
a large willow tree blew over at the junction with Naish Road.
More...

Crews
tackle landfill site blazeFIREFIGHTERS
from Burnham-On-Sea joined fire crews from across the area in
tackling a fire at a waste landfill site on Thursday evening (November
11th). Crews were initially called to the Walpole Landfill site,
near East Huntspill, on Thursday afternoon - but their work was
hampered by strong winds.
More...

New
sports bursaries on offerHIGHBRIDGE'S
King Alfred School has introduced new sports bursaries for their
outstanding 16 sportsmen and women. The annual bursary of £250
is being awarded to all sporty sixth form students who compete
at county, national or international level, the school has announced.
More...

Berrow
pupils enjoy Diwali funCHILDREN
at Berrow's Primary and Berrow Pre-School have been celebrating
Diwali over the past week. The pupils took part in a week-long
celebration of Diwali, which ended with a party. The children
all made and decorated divas, which they then lit at the special
party. More...

In
photos: Burnham Armistice Day Dozens
of residents in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge took part in special
ceremonies to mark Armistice Day on Thursday (November 11th).
The ceremonies took place at Burnham High Street and Highbridge's
Memorial Garden to honour all who have fallen since WWI.
More...

Pair
left distressed by chaseA
FOUR year-old girl and her mother were left in a distressed state
in Highbridge after being followed home by an angry stranger,
police have said this week. Young Lexie Willetts was walking home
with her mum Nichola after visiting a relative last Friday. More...

Hillview
second at SheptonBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Hillview Carnival Club had another good night at Shepton Mallet
Carnival on Wednesday (November 10th). The club's float, The Show,
won second place in the juvenile category - as it has done at
Bridgwater, North Petherton and Burnham-On-Sea. More...

MP
hits out at £43m cutbacksBURNHAM-On-Sea's
MP has joined protesters in calling for Somerset County Council
to re-think its decision to make cuts to services totalling more
than £43m. Tessa Munt attended a full meeting of the Council
in Taunton on Wednesday morning (November 10th). More...

Recycling
centre safe for nowHIGHBRIDGE
recycling centre is not being considered for closure by cash-strapped
Somerset County Council as part of its latest budget cuts, it
has been announced this week. The Council has announced that four
centres may close across the region, but Highbridge is safe -
for now. More...

£1m
boost for town economyExclusive:
Burnham-On-Sea's tourist economy is set for a £1 million
boost next year when two major golf tournaments are held in the
town, we can reveal. Burnham
and Berrow Golf Club is to host the Brabazon Trophy Championships
in June and the National R&A Boys Championships in August.
More...

Navy
man sails into new homeNAVAL
Officer Mark Podbury has a strong 'connection' with his brand
new home in Highbridge. For Mark has just moved into a new property
at Taylor Wimpeys new development, built on the site of
the old Portishead Radio Station, which he communicated with in
the 1970s and 1980s. More...

Three
car accident on A38Exclusive:The
A38 was partially blocked on the outskirts of Burnham-On-Sea this
morning (Wednesday) following a three-car accident. Fire crews
used cutting equipment to remove the roof of one vehicle to gain
access to a casualty, who was taken to hospital after the collision
at 8.20am.
More...

Burnham
carnival slide showSOME
of the best moments from this year's Burnham-On-Sea Carnival,
held on Monday (November 8th), are captured in this exclusive
slide show. Re-visit the highlight of Burnham and Highbridge's
entertainment calendar, as seen through the lens of our photographer.
More...

Dolphin
washed up on beachExclusive:A
WALKER on Brean beach found the body of this small dolphin washed
up on the sand earlier this week. Burnham-On-Sea.com reader Laurie
Caulton discovered the animal washed up on the sands near Brean
Down 50 yards from the beach entry road. More...

Pedestrianisation
in jeopardy?Exclusive:THE
future of the controversial project to partially pedestrianise
Burnham's High Street could be in doubt following a 'thumbs down'
from a group of traders and a lukewarm reception from the public.
Over
130 people visited a three-day exhibition held in the town last
week.
More...

£9,400
collected at town carnivalA
total of £9,400 was collected for local charities during
Monday night's Highbridge and Burnham Carnival - down slightly
on last year. Andrew
Bryant from Burnham Lions Club, who was among the collectors at
the successful event, told Burnham-On-Sea.com the figure was down
£500 on last year.
More...

Re-visit
historical BurnhamSCENES
like these on Burnham-On-Sea's seafront in 1915 will be on display
at a special history talk being held in the town on Wednesday
night (November 10th). North Sedgemoor Local History Group's latest
gathering will be held at King Alfred School's lecture theatre.
More...

Reviewed:
Latest Ritz filmsBURNHAM-On-Sea
film enthusiast Molly Harding reviews two of the films currently
showing at the town's Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street. This week,
she reviews Vampires Suck and Legend of the Guardian. Read more
of Molly's regular reviews here on Burnham-On-Sea.com each week.
More...

Brave
Mia to open grottoA
BRAVE youngster from Mark has won a competition to officially
open Santas Grotto at a garden centre in Brent Knoll later
this week. Mia Marshall, 7, has been chosen to open Sanders Garden
World's grotto this Saturday morning (November 13th) at the centre.
More...

Police
praise carnival goersBURNHAM-On-Sea
police have praised carnival goers for their good behaviour at
Monday's event. Just one person was arrested for drunk and disorderly
behaviour after jumping onto a cart in Love Lane during one of
the quietest carnivals ever for police officers in the town. More...

Hillview
gets double boostBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Hillview Carnival Club had a double dose of good news on Monday
(November 8th) after winning second place at their home town's
carnival and learning their placing at Bridgwater Carnival had
changed from third to second - providing them with a double boost.
More...

Carnival
dazzles in BurnhamA
huge crowd of over 20,000 people lined the streets of Burnham-On-Sea
tonight (Monday, November 8th) as dozens of illuminated carnival
floats rolled through town. Over 90 carts and entertainers wowed
the spectators with a cavalcade of colour and excitement. More...

Fire
crews tackle M5 car blazeBURNHAM-On-Sea's
fire crews were called out to tackle a car blaze on the M5 motorway
on Monday evening (November 8th). The Fire Service received multiple
calls from passing motorists reporting the vehicle was alight
on northbound carriageway at just after 9pm. More...

Three
arrests after vandalismExclusive:
THREE people have been arrested by police
after vandals ran amok following Burnham-On-Sea's fireworks on
Sunday night (November 7th). A group of youths smashed wooden
tables and chairs, then used them to break shop windows in the
town centre. More...

Mayor
welcomes Dutch bandBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Mayor and Mayoress have given an official welcome to a Dutch Carnival
Band visiting the town this week. Mayor Michael Clarke Mayoress
Maria Clarke greeted the visitors from the Dutch town of Zaltbommel
who regularly visit during Carnival. More...

It's
showtime! Carnival day arrivesCARNIVAL
goers in Burnham-On-Sea are being advised to wrap up warm and
bring waterproofs to tonight's parade. Excitement is building
ahead of the 63rd annual Highbridge and Burnham Carnival, which
will feature more than 90 colourful entries. Forecasters predict
there is a strong chance of showers. More...

Beauty
and the Beast in townFINAL
rehearsals are underway at Burnham-On-Sea's Excellent Entertainment
Society as it prepares for its annual autumn show. This year's
performance is Disneys musical Beauty and the Beast, which
opens in the Princess Theatre on Saturday 20th November. More...

Spectacular
fireworks impressThousands
of spectators lined Burnham's seafront on Sunday (November 7th)
to watch the town's spectacular fireworks display. The dazzling
20-minute programme of fireworks was launched from a temporary
scaffolding platform on the beach jetty, with the lights reflected
on the sea water. More...

Crosses
laid at war memorialPhoto
Special: CROSSES were laid next to Burnham-On-Sea's
war memorial on Sunday during a short ceremony to dedicate the
ground where next week's Remembrance Day parade will be held.
Burnham's Mayor and Mayoress were joined by British Legion members
for the ceremony. More...

Police
seize vehicle in townExclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea police seized a vehicle in Marine
Drive on Saturday evening (November 6th). Officers pulled over
the van near Burnham-On-Sea Fire Station at 7.20pm for having
no insurance before towing it away. The male driver is likely
to be fined. More...

Carnival
excitement grows
EXCITEMENT is building ahead of Monday's 63rd annual Burnham-On-Sea
Carnival, which will feature more than 90 colourful entries. Dozens
of the carnival carts began arriving in Burnham's Love Lane late
on Saturday night after completing the North Petherton Carnival.More...

Hillview
wins second place
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club won second place at North
Petherton Carnival on Saturday (November 6th), bouncing back from
their disappointment on the night before. The club's theatrical-themed
cart, called The Show, impressed the judges with their
enthusiasm.More...

Big
crowds expected at fireworksBIG
crowds of spectators are expected to line Burnham's seafront tonight
(Sunday, November 7th) to watch the town's annual fireworks display.
Hundreds of spectacular fireworks will be fired from a temporary
scaffolding platform which has been built on the town's jetty
and will be surrounded by sea water.More...

U3A
gives centre cash boost
THE project to refurbish Burnham-On-Sea's Community Centre was
given a further financial boost on Saturday morning (November
6th). Members of Burnham's University of The Third Age Concert
Party handed over £500 to the centre's Chairman, Ken Hindle.More...

Swim
club names captains
BURNHAM-On-Sea Swimming Club has this week appointed its new club
captains for the new season. The club, based at Burnham's Swim
and Sports Academy in Berrow Road, has named Alice Wright and
Edward Lupton as its new Captains for the new 2010-2011
season.More...

Road
safety charity praises MP
BURNHAM-On-Sea's MP has been named 'parliamentarian of the month'
by a national charity for her work in campaigning for improved
road safety. Brake, an independent road safety charity, has recognised
Tessa Munt's work in campaigning for local road safety campaign.More...

Fireworks
platform in place
WORK is underway today (Saturday) on constructing the scaffolding
structure from which Burnham-On-Sea's seafront fireworks display
will be fired into the sky on Sunday (November 7th). Hundreds
of dazzling fireworks will be fired from the temporary platform.More...

New
bistro opens in Burnham
A BRAND new bistro bar and restaurant was officially opened in
Burnham-On-Sea on Friday evening (November 5th). A
special launch ceremony was held at TA8s in Pier Street as it
opened its doors for the first time following a £6,000 revamp.
A party of over 40 people attended the opening.More...

Drama
hits town carnival club
BURNHAM-On-Sea's Hillview Carnival Club suffered a 'nightmare
start' to their carnival season at the rain-soaked Bridgwater
Carnival on Friday night (November 5th). The club's theatrical-themed
cart, called The Show, suffered a puncture at the beginning of
the parade, holding up the whole procession.More...

Telegraph
pole crashes down
POLICE and fire crews were called to East Brent this afternoon
(Friday, November 5th) after a car knocked down a telegraph pole
in an accident. One fire engine from Burnham-On-Sea was sent to
Rooksbridge Road in East Brent at 2.57pm to investigate following
the one car accident.More...

Holiday
park staff in the pink
STAFF at Burnham-On-Sea's Home Farm holiday park were feeling
'in the pink' today (Friday, November 5th) when they held a special
fundraising event. Ten staff wore pink clothing throughout the
day and held several fundraising activities for a cancer
charity.More...

Objectors
lodge 'green' concernsExclusive: Over a dozen letters of
objection have been sent to Somerset County Council opposing the
controversial proposals to convert Burnham-On-Sea's seafront lawns
into an official Village Green. The deadline for feedback ended
this week following a period of public consultation.More...

Wind
farm bird death shownExclusive: VIDEO of
a bird being killed by the moving blades of a wind turbine was
shown to an audience of 100 people at a wind farm protest near
Burnham-On-Sea on Thursday evening (November 4th). Campaigners
were keen to illustrate the threat to wildlife in the area.More...

CCTV
appeal for railway youths
BRITISH Transport Police officers investigating a railway trespassing
offence in Highbridge have this week appealed for the public's
help in tracing two youths who are believed to have information
to assist their investigation. Two youths were caught by police
on CCTV.More...

Bonfire
night tips for Beavers
BURNHAM-On-Sea Beavers were given tips and advice about staying
safe on bonfire night during a special safety evening by the town's
police on Thursday (November 4th). PCSOs Sarah England and Claire
Finch visited Burnham-On-Sea Beavers HQ at the BASC Ground.More...

Fundraisers
haul in the funds
A HIGHBRIDGE resident was among a group of eight musclemen who
hauled a huge truck half a mile to raise cash for charity earlier
this week. Local resident Andy Bertenshaw took part in the successful
fundraiser in which a Somerlap lorry was pulled by the team of
eight men.More...

Police
appeal after pub burglaryBurnham-On-Sea
police have issued an appeal for witnesses after burglars stole
cash from a pub in the town during the early hours of this morning
(Thursday November 4th). The thieves gained access to The Lighthouse
pub in Highbridge Road some time between midnight and 4.45am,
taking money.More...

New
jewellery shop openedA
NEW jewellery shop has opened its doors for the first time on
Burnham's seafront. Called Bling, it has opened next to the town's
Sunspot Amusements on Burnham's Esplanade and is being run by
entrepreneurial Highbridge couple Phil and Gaynor Burke who have
just srarted the business.More...

New
kids party firm launchesCREATIVE
children from across the Burnham-On-Sea area took part in several
arts and crafts sessions to mark the launch of a new nature-themed
party venture this week. Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll was
the venue for the drop-in arts and crafts day.More...

Fireworks
to wow the crowds
ORGANISERS of Burnham-On-Sea's seafront fireworks display, which
is being held this Sunday (November 7th), say spectators are in
for a treat. The 20 minute display, which starts at 7pm, will
include several brand new fireworks never seen before in Burnham-On-Sea.More...

Traders
oppose pedestrianisationExclusive:Shop owners in Burnham-On-Sea have
this week given a thumbs-down to controversial proposals to pedestrianise
part of the town's High Street. The plans to pedestrianise the
High Street between Adam Street and Cross Street were attacked
by businesses at Wednesday night's Chamber of Trade meeting.More...

Residents
fight 13 new homesExclusive:
RESIDENTS in Burnham-On-Sea have this week voiced their concerns
about plans by a property developer to extend a housing development
with an extra 13 new homes. Persimmon wants to expand its Berrow
Court site in Berrow Road, but nearby reisdents are unhappy.More...

Carnival
clean-up costs £5kREMOVING
litter strewn across the streets after Burnham-On-Sea's annual
carnival costs the district council almost £5,000, it revealed
this week. Scenes like these in Burnham-On-Sea High Street leave
Sedgemoor tax payers with a hefty £4,800 clean-up bill each
year.More...

Police
appeal for pod helpersPOLICE
in Highbridge have this week appealed for more volunteers to come
forward to help run the town's popular information pod. Since
opening in April last year, the pod in the car park of the town's
Asda supermarket has dealt with more than 1,000 enquiries and
reports.More...

Tourist
centre deal to be signedExclusive:
A newly formed charity which has been set up to take over the
running of Burnham-On-Sea's closure-threatened Tourist Information
Centre is set to sign a deal to take over over the building on
November 11th, we can reveal. Sedgemoor District Council has sent
BIARS an official letter of agreement.
More...

Huw
completes Peruvian trekFUNDRAISING
walker Huw Grove is feeling on top of the world after raising
nearly £3,000 for Highbridge-based charity by walking Perus
Inca Trail. Huw has just returned from his trek to the long-hidden
ancient city of Machu Picchu, to raise money for Highbridge-based
NBCS.More...

£43m
council cuts edge closerPROPOSED
cuts to services totalling more than £43m will go to Somerset
county councillors for a formal vote later this month following
a cabinet meeting held on Monday (November 1st). More than 200
members of the public attended to hear the stormy cabinet debate.More...

County
cricketer is VIP guest MEMBERS
of Huntspill and District Cricket Club held their annual presentation
evening this week - and welcomed a star county player as their
VIP guest. Somerset Cricket Club batsman Jos Buttler handed out
the trophies during the annual ceremony at the Orchard Inn.More...

£5k
boost for community hallExclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea
Community Centre has this week been handed a £5,000 boost
from the town council. It comes after Ken Hindle of the Burnham
and Highbridge Community Association, which runs the centre,
appealed to the council for cash to continue its
regeneration project.More...

Bid
to rescue town libraryExclusive:
TOWN councillors have this week called for
the opening hours of closure-threatened Highbridge Library to
be increased in a bid to boost usage and rescue it from potential
closure. The library in Market Street is being considered for
closure by the County Council.More...

£6,000
raised at Rotary shopA
HUGE £6,000 has been raised for local charities and good
causes from the sale of books at a temporary shop in Burnham-On-Sea.
Burnham Rotary Club's temporary book shop opened in College Street
during early August and has been so successful it's still running.More...

Burnham
risks 'stagnation'Exclusive:
BURNHAM-On-Sea is at risk of "stagnating" unless
hundreds of new homes are built on 'green field sites' during
the town over the next two decades, a senior town councillor has
warned this week. Cllr Neville Jones said Burnham risks missing
out on hundreds of thousands of pounds of funding.More...

Quiet
Halloween for policePOLICE
say the Halloween weekend passed relatively peacefully in Burnham-On-Sea
and Highbridge, with only a few incidents reported by residents.
Three were just three anti-social behaviour calls in Burnham,
which included criminal damage being caused to a car in St Mark's
Road.More...

Mayor
leads 'get well' wishesBURNHAM-On-Sea's
Mayor has led the best wishes being paid to a fellow town councillor
who suffered a sudden heart attack. Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported
on Monday how Cllr Eric Gill had suffered a mild heart attack
and been rushed to Weston Hospital by ambulance.More...

Carnival
excitement buildsEXCITEMENT
is growing at Burnham-On-Sea's carnival club this week as the
youngsters who will performing on the town's cart have been holding
their final dress rehearsals. Hillview Carnival Club's young members
have been proudly showing off their costumes.More...

Councillor
suffers heart attackA
POPULAR Burnham-On-Sea town and district councillor is recovering
in hospital after suffering a heart attack. Cllr Eric Gill suffered
the attack on Friday and was rushed to Weston Hospital where he
is making good progress. His condition is closely being monitored
by specialists.More...

Wind
farm meeting announcedCAMPAIGNERS
who are fighting controversial plans for a new wind farm near
Burnham-On-Sea are to hold a public meeting this week. The
West Huntspill Wind Farm Action Group will be holding an open
meeting at Puriton Village Hall this coming Thursday at 7.30pm.More...